Moody Blues/What Happened to Ray Thomas?

de wrote at 2007-11-30 00:12:17
According to wikipedia he retired in 2002 due to health issues with gout

Platypus wrote at 2009-07-03 13:00:41
In 2000, Ray found out that he had diabetes when a sudden collapse while on a plane was diagnosed as being caused by the disease. When he awoke in the hospital, he said that lyrics to a song came to him. "Burning the Candle at Both Ends" was the name of the song.

FleecityFirkin wrote at 2009-07-03 15:25:05
Ray didn't have gout, he just wanted to retire and enjoy life for a change. And Justin misses Ray so much he hasn't spoken to him since he retired. Don't believe all you read, brotherly love is just a pr hype. The MBs are no different from all the other rock bands out there, they have just been more successful at covering up.

dennis walsh wrote at 2010-09-16 12:24:33
i have been a big ray thomas fan since the begining of the moodies and at one time we were friends i not only liked him for his great voice and songs but he was a brummie like me and a genuine guy i miss u mate u take care and who knows we may meet again the shows r still good but it lacks the depth ur voice gave to the band and no one can play the flute like u

Rich wrote at 2010-12-10 22:34:43
The Moody Blues aren't the same group without Ray Thomas. Almost can't stand to watch the Blues in concert. I've seen them twice and it was Ray that made the concert what it was.

Tunaman wrote at 2011-10-11 16:34:12
Actually, in reality, Justin Hayward "makes" this group, I feel; he has contributed more through the years, if you think about it. Although I miss Ray Thomas as well, their new female flutist does a great job as well.

Zorro wrote at 2015-03-25 15:32:38
The Moody Blues sold 55 million records, The Beatles' 600 million records. I can't think of any Beatle tunes I'd especially care to hear, but I do own all of them, and Sir Paul McCartney's and "George and Ringo" as well. The Moody Blues cover so much ground as a band that it's complicate, gathers strength with age, and redefines music for all ages. Can you imagine Madonna tunes as beloved by her fans at 75, and still "Selling Out Concerts?" Her music gets real thin around the edges, and collapses from her stage presence and routine. Every woman has breast!

Stew Baskin

Expertise

I should be able to answer almost all questions about the Moody Blues` music from 1967 to present. I also know numerous other sources and experts on the Moody Blues, and can go to them if necessary as well as refer people to other helpful sites. I also know quite a bit about each member personally and their individual works.

Experience

I have been an intense fan of the Moody Blues for over 30 years. I have been to countless of their concerts (I stopped counting several years ago at 30). I have met the band on 3 occasions (My son met Justin Hayward when he was 5!) and have spoken with them personally.

OrganizationsFM SuperStars, a performing lounge company in Las Vegas. I am known as "MoodyStew" in the FM SuperStars because I sing mostly Moody Blues songs. I also belong to a number of Moody Blues fan sites on the Internet.